The following prayers are based on Baruch 5:1-9, the Hebrew Bible Lesson appointed for the Second Sunday of Advent, Year C.
Celebrant
In the hushed anticipation of your coming, O Lord, lead us with joy in the light of your glory; that we might be ready for you, and eager to pray. Read More
The following is a reflection on Luke 1: 68-79 and Luke 3:1-6, the canticle and the Gospel lesson properly appointed for Advent 2C according to the Revised Common Lectionary.
“Morning Star’s Reprise” Acrylic and resin on canvas. Painting by Rick Morley.
Most people don’t ever want to talk about “sins.” At least not their own. (Other people’s sins are always fair game for in-depth discussion, but that’s another story entirely.)
The only things that might be able to drive the repulsion of “sin talk” even further out-of-bounds are probably…Christmas trees, mall Santas, and fields of ever-rolling poinsettias. Read More
The following prayers are based on Jeremiah 33:14-16, the Hebrew Bible Lesson appointed for the First Sunday of Advent, Year C.
Celebrant
In the hushed anticipation of your coming, O Lord, kindle within us the desire to remain on guard; that we might be ready for your coming, and eager to pray. Read More
The following is a reflection on the First Sunday of Advent, Year C.
Throne of Wisdom, from the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Rick Morley.
The Day of the Lord. The end. The Second Coming. The Parousia.
In our day such things are wholly owned subsidiaries of Hollywood and people so far off their rockers that they are the very definition of “laughingstock.” Read More
A reflection on Christ the King Sunday, especially for year B of the Revised Common Lectionary.
A wayside shrine at the Convent of St. John Baptist in Mendham. Photo by Rick Morley.
Pope Pius XI inaugurated Christ the King Sunday in 1925, when the authority of the church was evidently waning in the world. Of course nearly ninety years later, the “authority” of the church—or even just the “place” of the church—in the world is almost laughable. We are all but irrelevant in the power structures of the community of nations.
Whatever the original intent and motive of Christ the King Sunday, one can easily see “Christendom” making one last effort—only last death-throw gasp—to stem the tide, and regain a position of power and influence in the world.
But, it does do one well to consider the kind of kingship that Jesus represents. Read More
The following is a reflection on 1 Samuel 1:4-20 & 2:1-10, the Old Testament and Psalm Lessons for Proper 28B, according to the Revised Common Lectionary.
Twice in the Bible people who are praying are mistaken for being drunk. Hannah on the threshold of the Temple of Shiloh is praying for a son and is castigated by Eli. “Put away your wine,” he says. On the day of Pentecost the apostles are filled with the power of the holy spirit, and they begin to speak in many languages. Those around them marvel that at 9 o’clock in the morning they are already sloshed.
But, no, they are praying. Read More
The following is a reflection on Mark 12:38-44, the gospel lesson appointed for Proper 27B according to the Revised Standard Lectionary.
This is the scene, just a short walk from my house, post-Sandy. Please keep all those most effected in the aftermath of Sandy in your prayers.
The contrast between the self-serving lawyers and the widow in Mark 12 couldn’t be any greater, and Mark’s weaving of these two stories together is, I think, where most of the meaning lies. Read More
The following is a reflection on John 11:32-44, the Gospel Lesson for All Saints B, according to the Revised Common Lectionary.
There is also a Litany for All Saints Day on this site here.
The Abbey Ruins on the Holy Isle of Lindisfarne. Photo by Rick Morley.
While I don’t use the King James Version of the Bible often, I do happen to love its rendering of the raising of Lazarus. Jesus, after weeping and being emotionally moved, commands those around him to open Lazarus’ tomb.
There’s instant protest. Lazarus had been dead for a few days, and everyone knew that rolling that stone away wouldn’t be pretty.
Martha calls out: But Lord, he stinketh!
I love that. Read More
The following is a reflection on Job 42:1-6, 10-17, the Hebrew Bible lesson appointed for Proper 25B, according to the Revised Common Lectionary.
Mississippi Gulf House Post-Katrina. Photo by Rick Morley.
I have to admit, while I’ve always had an attraction to the Book of Job, I’ve never cared much for the ending. I’ve tended to agree with scholars who say that it was tacked on to the book much later to make the book more palatable. I mean…he just gets everything back? And, that’s supposed to make it all better?
Are the seven kids that he gets after the ordeal the same kids? Or, are they…uh…different kids?
Because that would make everything better, right? Like getting a new puppy after the beloved family dog died.
But, I’ve become increasingly convinced that the narrative continuity of Job is secondary to underlying message.
The following is a reflection on Job 38:1-7, 34-41, the Hebrew Bible lesson appointed for Proper 24B, according to the Revised Common Lectionary.
A home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, after Katrina. Photo by Rick Morley.
If the opening chapters of Genesis tell us how the universe was created, the Voice of God booming from the Whirlwind in the end of The Book of Job tells us that and much more. Read More